LOCAL designers left fashion enthusiasts fascinated with their stunning collection of the African print designs that were showcased at the Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show.

This was at the 6th edition of the annual event which was held at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village on September 8. Fashion lovers came together to witness the creations of those that have made fashion and design their passion.

Local designers who took part in the show included Cynthia Rupari of Rupari Agency, Charlotte Shema of Touch of Rwanda Fashion Designs, Patrick Muhire of Inkanda house, Diane Mugeni Ngendahimana of Mundi Collections, while foreign designers were CM Class from DR Congo, Fathia Creations from Ghana and Esther Lam Couture from Nigeria.

The event, that began a few minutes past 7p.m, had models display different amazing fabrics like African prints that included kitenge, kente, and black cloth fused with modern touch to create colourful outfits.

Charlotte Shema, from Touch of Rwanda Fashion Designs, told The New Times that she fuses fabrics like African print with the modern touch to move with the times.

“Since we are in modern society, what I do is to fuse fabrics like African print or cotton with a modern touch to fit the society we are in, plus we have to come up with modern designs that will help preserve our culture but move with the modern times we are in.”

Speaking at the event, Celestin Ntawirema, the chief executive of Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show, said that although the annual event is yet to be where the organisers wish it to be, it has gradually picked up.

He noted that, compared to the previous editions, this year’s was better and he looked forward to making the event something known across the continent.

“Compared to the last events this has been better, the number of people who have attended is bigger compared to those who attended last year and the other years,” said Ntawirema.

“We shall continue working hard to make sure we promote our African cultural designs across the world,” he added.